I would never have believed, when I started my career in DMPK 20 years ago, that I would end up studying for a master’s degree in management and business as an Apprentice. Yet, here I am, having completed my first term of the 18-month Senior Leaders Master’s Degree Apprenticeship at Pearson Business College, and I am thoroughly enjoying it.

It is an amazing opportunity to learn more about project management, strategy, leadership, finance, change management and digitalisation. Charles River Laboratories and Pearson Business College have been really supportive as I have settled back into studying while continuing my role within the organisation.

There are many great things about taking on this challenge including the opportunity to work with some incredibly talented people from different industries, both students and lecturers alike, who are able to provide new perspectives and ways of thinking for approaching different topics. What I find most valuable is that, as an apprentice, I can take the theories and concepts we are studying and see how their real-life application can help me be more effective in my day-to-day role.

I would definitely recommend apprenticeships as a great way to develop within your role.